THE RSPCA is appealing for information after a pair of kittens and their mother were found dumped in a skip on a lay-by near York.

Inspector Gill Murphy made the discovery next to the Little Chef restaurant on the A59 Harrogate Road after receiving a call.

The two tortoiseshell kittens and their black mother were found unhurt in a cream plastic cat carrier along with a piece of scrap paper which read: "Sophie mum".

Mrs Murphy said: "They were in reasonable condition, but a bit distressed because of what had happened to them.

"There is no need for this sort of thing to happen.

" When people first adopt cats they should immediately think about getting them neutered."

Anyone with information should telephone the RSPCA on 08705 555999.

PICTURE: ABANDONED FAMILY: The cat and her kittens found dumped in a rubbish skip on the A59 near York

Picture: Steven Bradshaw